ROOKIE BEEKEEPER MISTAKES Advice After 12 Years of Beekeeping
Mar 24, 2025Since I started keeping bees 13 years ago, I've learned a thing or two about what it means to be a beekeeper and what NOT to do. Oh, the mistakes I've made! In this video, I talk about all these mistakes/lessons I've learned over the years as a hobby beekeeper as well as working for a commercial apiary with thousands of hives.
Don't have time to watch the video? Here's the 10 bullet points summerized for you.
#1 - Start with a Langstroth-style Beehive
This is the most common beehive style in the United States. Using the most common beehive style in your area makes finding equipment and mentorship easier. In other countries, use the most prevalent hive style.
#2 - Learn to Spot the Queen Bee Starting with Your First Month
Spend about five seconds on each side of a frame looking for the queen before flipping it over. Practice during every inspection. It becomes much easier with practice, especially when the hive is smaller.
#3 - Never hold a queen cell upside down
Flipping a queen cell upside down can prevent the queen from successfully emerging and performing her mating flight. Always inspect queen cells carefully and right side up.
#4 - Understand Bee Space
Bee space if approximately 3/8 of an inch and should be observed between frames to prevent bees from building comb in unwanted areas. Proper frame spacing ensures bees build comb within the frames, making inspection and honey harvesting easier.
#5 - Accept that Hive Losses Are a Part of Beekeeping.
Aim for a 70% survival rate, as in nature, only about one in three hives naturally survives. Don't be discouraged by initial failures.
#6 - Focus on bee genetics by monitoring and supporting strong, resilient hives.
Look for bees that can manage varroa mites independently, bring in honey without constant feeding, and demonstrate overall hardiness.
#7 - Location
Choose your hive location carefully, avoiding grass-dominated areas like suburbs. Urban and grassy locations can be food deserts for bees, significantly impacting hive productivity and honey production.
#8 - Don't Be an Overeager Beekeeper
Practice "lazy beekeeping" by minimizing hive disturbances. Open hives no more than once a week or every other week, as bees prefer minimal interference and often do better when left alone.
#9 - Leave the Cork IN!
Be cautious when introducing a new queen to a hive. Instead of letting bees eat through the candy plug, use methods like checking bee acceptance after a few days or spraying frames with sugar syrup and essential oils to help queen integration.
#10 - No Two Hives Are the Same
Recognize that every hive is unique, much like children with different personalities. There's no universal solution to beekeeping challenges, and what works for one hive might not work for another.
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